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03.18.11

.xxx Domain Approved for Porn

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Here’s a dead giveaway on your browser history: ICANN, the body that governs top-level Internet domains, voted 9-3 Friday to approve a new .xxx domain for online porn. But its intended customers aren’t thrilled. The adult-entertainment industry is protesting the ruling, claiming it would raise costs for porn providers, who will now have to shell out $60 for each additional .xxx domain name. Because many adult-entertainment companies own thousands of addresses, the cost could prove to be substantial. The Free Speech Coalition, which represents some adult-entertainment companies, opposed the move and claimed that not only would it be a financial burden on the sites, but also would make it easier for filters to block them. The coalition is reportedly planning to appeal the decision.